When HubSpot doesn’t deliver the results you expected, it’s easy to blame the tool. After all, you’ve invested in a powerful CRM that promises to transform your sales and marketing. So why isn’t it working?
Here’s the truth: the problem isn’t HubSpot. It’s the adoption process.
At Real Inbound, we’ve worked with countless B2B Tech Manufacturers who’ve struggled with HubSpot. And in almost every case, the issue wasn’t the platform itself—it was how it was implemented and adopted.
In this article, we’ll explore why HubSpot adoption is so challenging, the common mistakes businesses make, and how you can fix them using our proven SIMPLIFI Framework.
The Real Problem
The HubSpot Adoption Gap
The HubSpot Adoption Gap is the space between buying your CRM and getting it to deliver real results. It’s where businesses struggle to fully embed HubSpot into their operations, leaving them stuck with:
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.
Why HubSpot Adoption is So Challenging
Adopting a CRM like HubSpot isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, processes, and culture.
Here are the three main reasons businesses struggle with HubSpot adoption:
HubSpot adoption needs to be led from the top. When leadership isn’t involved, the platform becomes an isolated tool rather than a fully integrated system.
Change is hard, and employees often fear making mistakes. Without a culture of psychological safety, teams hesitate to fully embrace HubSpot, sticking to old habits instead.
If the “why” behind HubSpot adoption isn’t strong enough, people resist change. Without leadership setting a compelling reason, HubSpot remains an optional tool rather than a business-critical system.
The Common Mistakes Businesses Make
When it comes to HubSpot adoption, there are a few common mistakes we see time and time again:
Many businesses try to do too much, too fast. They over-engineer their HubSpot portals, creating systems so complex that no one knows how to use them.
HubSpot is a tool, not a strategy. Successful adoption requires a people-first approach, with a focus on training, communication, and leadership.
HubSpot adoption isn’t a one-and-done process. To get the most out of your CRM, you need to continuously optimise and improve.
How to Fix HubSpot Adoption at the Management Level
The key to successful HubSpot adoption is a structured, management-led approach.
At Real Inbound, we’ve developed the SIMPLIFI Framework to help B2B Tech Manufacturers close the HubSpot Adoption Gap and turn their CRM into a growth-driving engine.
The SIMPLIFI Framework
Your Path to HubSpot Success
The SIMPLIFI Framework is a step-by-step approach to HubSpot adoption that’s simple, effective, and impactful. Here’s how it works:
S - Set the Scene
Before you dive into HubSpot, you need to define your goals and assess your starting point. What does success look like for your business? And where are you now?
I - Interview Everyone
Talk to your teams, your customers, and your stakeholders. Gather insights into their challenges, needs, and expectations.
M - Map the Processes
Take a close look at your current workflows. What’s working? What’s not? Then, map out the processes you want to execute in HubSpot.
P - Plan the Way Forward
With your goals, insights, and processes in mind, create a roadmap for success. This should include clear milestones, timelines, and responsibilities.
L - Lead the Adoption
HubSpot adoption needs to be led from the top. When managers lead, teams follow.
I - Implement the Plan
Now it’s time to put your plan into action. Build your HubSpot system, set up your processes, and train your teams.
F - Fix It
Let’s be real: things will go wrong. And that’s okay. The key is to address issues as they arise and keep moving forward.
I - Iterate
HubSpot adoption isn’t a one-and-done process. To get the most out of your CRM, you need to continuously optimise and improve.
Real-World Results
The Power of SIMPLIFI
We’ve seen the SIMPLIFI Framework transform businesses.
One of our clients, a B2B manufacturer, was struggling with poor data quality, siloed teams, and a lack of ROI from HubSpot. By following the SIMPLIFI Framework, they were able to:
The result? A fully integrated HubSpot system that delivers real results.
Final Thoughts
HubSpot Isn’t the Problem—Adoption Is
If your business is struggling with HubSpot, remember this: the problem isn’t the tool—it’s the adoption process.
By following the SIMPLIFI Framework, you can close the HubSpot Adoption Gap, turn your CRM into a growth-driving engine, and achieve the results you’ve been hoping for.
Ready to Fix Your HubSpot Adoption?
Join us for our upcoming webinar:
“Modernising Sales & Marketing for B2B Tech Manufacturers”
Date: 17th April 2025
Time: 10.00 AM GMT
Location: MS Teams
Learn how to close the HubSpot Adoption Gap and modernise your sales and marketing with real-world insights from industry leaders.